(Carnival) Debarkation morning... Need I say more?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I have made this point in a couple other threads - and have commented on Carnival's procedure in a few of my reviews:

 

Carnival has a tendency, witnessed on most of our ~50 sailings with them, to add insult to injury (so to speak) on debarkation morning when the CD - or similar - comes booming into your cabin via the PA system. The intent being to basically prod everyone to WAKE UP. It is disguised as a dual (HAPPY:rolleyes:) "We hope you had a wonderful time..." and informational (luggage tags, deck/zone # etc...) message.

 

Most often that message seems to start around, or shortly after, 7AM. I read one recent review (Miracle in NYC) where it began at 6:30! Now, I think we'll all agree that the mood on that last morning is not the same as the prior cruise mornings. Vacation is, after all, OVER and it's time to start getting back to reality. My preference would have that be a somewhat more gentle transition.

 

I understand that the Fantasy, when she debarks in Charleston, now has what is called a "Silent Debarkation". That is a morning with no announcements - and it appears to work smoothly. Now you might think that Carnival is to thank for this, but it's my understanding that it's due to people living near the port not wanting to hear the blaring announcements from the ship in the morning. Hey, if they don't want to hear it - do you think that people who paid for their vacation, that are still onboard, want to hear it? ! Does Carnival not have the faith in their guests to wake up as responsible adults?

 

On our 2 NCL and 6 Celebrity sailings, I was pleased to see that they don't have that "in your face intentional wake up call" that so irritates me on Carnival. Those lines have it down well, and I don't see that they have any problems with it - people on the next sailing are able to get to their cabins about the same time as on Carnival. I suppose, if you are up already (early flight or early riser to begin with), then it's not a biggie. But some people tend to stay up a bit late on that last night, and look at this as tantamount to torture! (OK - I might be exaggerating just a tad here... :o)

 

So - it can be done (other lines, and at least 1 Carnival ship)... so why are we still subjected to that "honey, you're going to be late for school" wake up? I won't even get into the annoying "inch of gold", "BINGO", et al announcements (those don't wake me up)!!

 

Have any of you experienced something like the "silent" debarkation on other Carnival ships (or on the Fantasy itself) and have an opinion of it?

 

I would love to see Carnival make the switch to this method - if only to lessen the bite of reality! ;) :)

 

Tom

[firefly333]

We were delayed over an hour boarding in New Orleans when some people had not clicked their cards and debarked. Turns out some lady had a later flight and didnt know she had to get off, so she got into the shower. 1000 people waiting in the port for over an hour while security went knocking on her door to tell her she could not just hang around in the bathroom washing her hair at Noon.

 

Some people do not know apparantly.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We were delayed over an hour boarding in New Orleans when some people had not clicked their cards and debarked. Turns out some lady had a later flight and didnt know she had to get off, so she got into the shower. 1000 people waiting in the port for over an hour while security went knocking on her door to tell her she could not just hang around in the bathroom washing her hair at Noon.

 

Some people do not know apparantly.

 

LOL - well, for some people, there is no hope (no matter the system)!

 

Tom

[Socref124]

LOL Tom. Why don't you tell us how you really feel about this. ;)

To tell you the truth, we are early risers and have never really noticed or paid attention.

What gets me is the morning CD talk for hours over the big screen at the pool, on ships with MUTS. On the Dream last year, there were quite a lot of angry pax every sea day morning trying to relax by the pool.

[Guest LoveMyBoxer]

I have no problem with people being alerted to get off the ship. If you were on the other side and waiting to get on, you would want everyone off as soon as possible.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I have no problem with people being alerted to get off the ship. If you were on the other side and waiting to get on, you would want everyone off as soon as possible.

 

Well - my point was that other lines, and indeed another Carnival ship, are able to get everyone off without apparent problems... I am ALL FOR everyone being able to board when they expect to!!

 

Tom

[Rockportgirl]

This is so funny, as I've read several comments about morning announcements lately. I swear, I have never been awoken by an announcement in our cabin. Either I'm sound asleep from the day and night before :o, or I'm out on my balcony or on the Lido getting breakfast. Do they do these announcements every day or just the last day, when people need to be getting their butts up to leave? If it's just the last day, they should be up anyway, imo.

[DebJ14]

Everybody getting on wants their cabin ready ASAP, so the people on the ship need to get it in gear, get up and get off so the next bunch can board. I have no problem with early morning announcements on debarkation day. We're up anyway since we are Platinum and Milestone and usually the meeting time is quite early.

[JRock59]

Have no problem with it as we've been waiting to get on to find out the delay was because of people "thinking" they didn't have to get off until they wanted to. Did a B2B2B on the Destiny and both times we were asked to meet by the info desk to be taken off go through customs get our new S&S cards and reboard. First time we had to wait an hour as there were 10 people who had disembarked they were found in their cabins not dressed and NOT packed. Second time it was just people who were dragging their feet about getting off. So make all the announcements, we all have to remember our Cruise maybe over but some one elses is just starting. :)

[LBumb]

couldn't say, i can sleep through anything.

[FloridaCouple05]

A system should be installed throughout the ship that allows the in-cabin speakers to broadcast a phase inverted audio signal to cancel out the shipwide announcements. This would be similar to how noise-cancelling headphones work. Then, the ship's onboard computer system can read the keycards of each individual, recognize which cabins contain Platinum guests, and then selectively engage the noise cancellation system in those cabins so that VIP cruisers are not subjected to the CD caterwauling on debarkation and get a restful morning's sleep.

 

Just kidding. I think.

[melli_fera]

they should start instituting fines for not "checking out" when they're required to.

[SteelerCruiser]

The last morning is rough enough without the annoying PA Annoucements......but that being said I am sure there are and will be some knuckleheads that will stay on until the last possible minute and then blame the not being woke up as their excuse. But of course if it is working in Charleston then it might not hurt to at least give it a Try in other Homeports.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Everybody getting on wants their cabin ready ASAP, so the people on the ship need to get it in gear, get up and get off so the next bunch can board. I have no problem with early morning announcements on debarkation day. We're up anyway since we are Platinum and Milestone and usually the meeting time is quite early.

 

After a couple of (let's say 7:15 AM) Platinum meeting plans turned into an hour+ wait (delays do occur) or we were overlooked/forgotten by the staff :eek: (that happened more than once), we decided to take a more leisurely approach. We never have a problem getting our stuff together (as we have everything laid out for that last morning) and are off the ship way before the stragglers.

 

Again - my point is that other lines can pull this off ("this" being getting everyone off the ship, the cabins turned, and new people in their cabins shortly after 1:30 or so)... so WHY does Carnival continue treating us like children? Is it because "it's always been done that way" or it is because any (seemingly simple) change at Carnival seems to take forever?

 

Tom

[raylene5]

yeah, I understand where you're coming from, Tom, but it's never bothered me personally. I'm usually up by that time on debarkation day. My guess is that Carnival has had problems with a lot of people not getting off when they're supposed to and so they continue to use this system. Perhaps the other lines don't have those problems? I've done both RCCL and NCL and I just can't remember if they did that or not.

 

I definitely agree with the post above melli....people should be fined for not being ready to get off in time. It holds up everything. Good idea :)

[Kryssa]

I know they don't make announcements that early on NCL and RCCL. I'm sure they have some stragglers, but so does Carnival and they DO make the announcements.

 

I think this goes to show that the announcements don't change anything. People up early will be up early and stragglers will be stragglers. Let those of us that can manage our time sleep!

[manmachine]

The silent debarkation-- which we have done twice-- was at least as smooth on average as any other debarkation. And a lot less stress... Until, that is, actually of the ship and going thru the Port of Charleston.

 

Not the smoothest port. But silent debarkation a 50% improvement over being announced at.

[Hurricane Girl]

On the fascination in May, the CD's announcements did not come over the in cabin speaker. If I hadn't happened to be in the hallway we would not have known they had called for the self assist to debark. DH was in the room and I had to go back and get him.

[atlanta_living]

My first, and only other cruise, was in June on the Golden Princess. The night before disembarkment we found information in our mailslot telling us which lounge to meet in and at what time. Their silent disembarkment appeared well orchestrated and there was a steady flow off the ship. To me it seemed to go very well, but then again I have nothing to compare it to. :rolleyes:

[Texarribean Chick]

On the Dream a couple of weeks ago, and no "in-cabin" announcement - only in the hallways.

I remember remarking to DH - open the door, in case they are announcing something we need to know. DH's reply, "Mr. Jones, go and pay your cotton pickin' bill, so we can all leave now!" LOL! I do remember a time when NO ONE was allowed off the vessel until every S&S bill was settled. Obviously now, CCL has abandoned that approach because the delays are less and less.

We are typically doing our own thing as well, and like you - have taken the leisurely, "we'll do as we please approach" to disembarkation due to being FORGOTTEN while going to the "Platinum - you get to get out of here first" meeting place.

To me, CCL's approach to the family cruisers and one time cruisers and "affordable" vacations, has turned into a lot of families sending their teenagers on cruises as birthday/graduation/whatever gifts. I have seen some of the rooms of teens and the absolute destruction of those rooms and have traveled with some of those teens and witnessed their behavior. Needless to say - those in-room or hallway morning wake up calls were/are necessary just to get those ding dongs off the ship.

 

Sorry Tom, I see where you were going here; but unfortunately cannot help you out this time. I for one, do not want to be delayed any longer than necessary when, "don't even tell me", it is time to go home. :(

[discjoker]

This is interesting. I think the point that is being made (and is pretty much proven) is that other lines are able to do it much less intrusively and are able to turnaround their ships without problem...so, why does Carnival do it this way?

 

I think NCL does it best. The last morning is actually quite leisurely if you want it to be. Wake up, have breakfast, get ready for the day, then wait in your cabin until you are called off the ship. No vacating the cabin early, no waiting in public areas, etc. NCL is able to make it work, why aren't other lines?

[DEBnGAB]

After a couple of (let's say 7:15 AM) Platinum meeting plans turned into an hour+ wait (delays do occur) or we were overlooked/forgotten by the staff :eek: (that happened more than once), we decided to take a more leisurely approach. ?

 

Tom

 

OK that happened to you too? It happened to us twice on the Paradise in March and April. Our letter said to meet in the Library at 9:00 for Regular Platinum Debark. Both times we arrive at 8:45am..room is almost full.

9:30am rolls around...then 9:45am. I go find someone and they said they will radio the host. She comes in and says (ok, both times in March and April the same gal) "Oh, I came in here 3 times to clear the room". WHAT? Since when I ask, "since 9am". No way!

 

When we got to the bottom of the steps to leave, the CD was there and many of us went to talk to him about it.

If they arent going to escort us off at 9:00am, or sometime around that time, then either dont offer it or put a different time on the letter!

[ItsAllAboutTheSass]

I smell a comparison between the cruise lines.....

[EMc&DrS]

Tom,

 

I think I read in one of your recent posts that you are going to be in the same cabin we just had on Dream. (You're going to love it). The morning we got off it was the assistant CD making the announcements because Butch was getting off that morning to start his vacation. You'll be happy to know the announcements are harder to hear in that room because of that little foyer area outside the door. As a matter of fact, we'd have to open the door to even begin to hear most announcements during the week. With that said, I can't remember if the debarkation announcements were inside the cabin as well. We could certainly hear them out on the balcony as we waited for zone 16 to be called.

[Sauer-kraut]

On the DESTINY last week it said cabins needed to be vacated by 8:30 AM as per the Fun Times. Why not start the announcements at that time? "Attention passengers you need to be out of the cabins now, the waiting areas are; The Palladium, the Lido and some other place."

 

I for one basically ignored the announcements, I was in the Lido having breakfast at 8 am waiting for the rest of my party to gather at our agreed upon time and place at 8:30. Since American Airlines cancelled our flight home we then had to stragegize what we'd do next. We sat up there until they finally said all passengers must leave the ship now. The luggage wasn't going anywhere until we picked it up anyways..... :D